Both sides return from the first international window of the 2023/24 season looking for a statement win at the Theatre of Dreams
Erik ten Hagโs Manchester United host Brighton for what is sure to be a Premier League cracker as club football returns following the September international fixtures. So far, each team is on the same six points after the first three games but the Seagulls have been more adventurous, scoring nine times and conceding five goals.
The Red Devils have had an indifferent start to the season with a smash-and-grab 1-0 win against Wolves on opening day followed by a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Tottenham before they somehow came from two-nil down to beat 10-man Nottingham Forest on matchday three.
However, United can be quietly confident of a positive outcome against Brighton having won nine of their 15 head-to-head meetings with six coming at home.
Man Utd know they can score on the break given that Brighton are yet to find a defensive balance following the exits of on-loan Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and tenacious midfielder Moises Caicedo. Hence, the likes of Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes will look to hit their opponents on the counter with decisive moves.
The Old Trafford side knocked out their counterparts in an epic FA Cup semi-final on penalties and they will be keen to assert that psychological dominance over the ever-improving Seagulls. This is also a repeat of Erik ten Hagโs debut match in the Premier League as Brighton won both league fixtures last season, giving them enough incentives against arguably the divisionโs most impressive team.
Brighton have won the hearts of millions of neutral fans and as their seasonal objectives increase every year, they aim to make a splash in European football this season and securing a brilliant start to the campaign has already made a huge statement.
Roberto De Zerbiโs side are the top scorers in the league after three matches and they began the campaign with consecutive 4-1 victories over Luton Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers before being humbled 3-1 at home by a resolute West Ham side.
For the first time ever, Brighton have had the upper hand in three straight league outings with the Red Devils, doing so by an aggregate score of 7-1. Roberto de Zerbiโs men will be looking to pounce on Unitedโs obvious defensive frailties amidst an injury crisis in the backline, meaning they go to Old Trafford as slight favourites.
The Seagulls enjoyed a sharp upturn in fortunes following the arrival of their Italian coach in September 2022 and a full pre-season schedule alongside smart recruitment has made them an even brighter unit in the 2023/24 season. They remain as expansive as ever, fearless and confident in their system and its ability to unlock whoever the opposition may be.
As gaining momentum goes, another huge win here against United would do wonders for their mood as the UEFA Europa League campaign begins.
Match ticket
This massive game is scheduled for Saturday 16 September 2023 with the action set to kick off at 3 pm UK time. Tickets have been on sale via each clubโs website and you can expect a full house at Old Trafford with fans excited to be back for a busy period of fixtures.
Given the mood around the club and their growing attraction, Brighton fans are expected to turn up to Manchester in their numbers and they wonโt be wrong to look forward to a happy trip back to the South Coast.
This will make for a brilliant atmosphere at the game hence Man United vs Brighton tickets will be difficult to find given the high demand. Supporters who donโt want to miss it may be lucky enough to find seats on a ticket reselling site.
Team news
Despite strict financial limitations, United have been rebuilding the squad to Ten Hagโs taste as the likes of Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund were signed alongside the returning Jonny Evans on a free transfer. Most importantly, Fred, David de Gea, Anthony Elanga, Alex Telles, Matej Kovar, Zidane Iqbal, Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones have all gone out the door to give the side a refreshed feel.
The Red Devils will hope to field a couple of debutants against Brighton as they search for cover in defence and midfield. Meanwhile, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Raphael Varane, Rasmus Hojlund, Tom Heaton and Tyrell Malacia could all miss out against De Zerbiโs team.
After completing the best top-flight season in their entire history, Brighton went about their recruitment business with the usual suave as they brought in Joao Pedro, Carlos Baleba, Bart Verbruggen, Igor, Adrian Mazilu as well as the veteran James Milner and Mahmoud Dahoud on a free. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and midfielders Alexis MacAllister and Moises Caicedo may have been big departures but the AMEX side will be all the better for it.
In terms of availability, Julio Enciso and Jakub Moder remain long-term absentees and will not feature at Old Trafford.
Line-ups
While Ten Hag will hope to have reinforced gaping holes in his squad ahead of this game, the Dutchman is also looking for more output from his attacking players with their four goals so far being scored by midfielders and a defender.
Marcus Rashford is the most obvious threat for his team when they look to hit the visitors on the counter and they will hope he can get the gameโs decisive contribution after scoring 30 goals in all competitions last season.
Man United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial
Solly March is already Brightonโs top scorer with three goals at the time of writing and he will look to increase his tally after becoming a bigger attacking threat under De Zerbi. At the other end, Verbruggen also seems to have taken the gloves from Jason Steele and he will look to continue against United
Adam Webster should also continue his centre-back partnership with Lewis Dunk while Evan Ferguson looks to fill the centre-forward spot.
Brighton: Verbruggen; Milner, Dunk, Webster, Estupinan; Groร, Gilmour; March, Welbeck, Mitoma; Ferguson
Prediction
Considering their attacking prowess and the hunger shown this season, Brighton are expected to have too much firepower for Ten Hagโs embryonic defensive unit. While this could be won by the odd goal for either side, it should be an open game with both sides finding the net.
Manchester United 1-2 Brighton
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